Summary

Depending on where they are manufactured, plastic bags are made from either oil or natural gas, both of which can be used to make ethylene, which is then used to make polyethylene bags. Natural gas and oil are finite natural resources and I think we can all agree that there are better uses for this stuff than making a plastic bag that most of us will use once and toss in the trash. OK, paper then, right? Well, actually. . .producing paper bags requires more energy and creates more air and water pollution than producing plastic bags. Recycling paper is much more energy-intensive than recycling plastic—-and then there’s the issue of all those trees. In 1999, 14 million of them were knocked out to create the 10 billion paper grocery bags we used that year.

Impact

The estimated impact each time this challenge is completed: 1 kg / 2 lbs CO2 reduced and saving up to $0.35!

All completions of this challenge have reduced approximately 241 kg CO2 and saved up to $84.35!

Administrative Details

Sustainability challenges are small time-limited actions and goals towards becoming more sustainable. Each challenge you join shows on your profile. Challenge members can have discussions in the comments section.